Jack Markell in 2014 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Drugs:
Addiction is a disease; fill gaps in drug treatment system

Much crime is committed by people with substance abuse problems. 71% of men arrested tested positive for an illegal substance. Too often, our solution is to simply throw the drug user in prison, but many of these individuals need treatment more than a
prison guard.

For many addicts, it's possible to deal with their disease successfully and go on to live happy, productive lives. There are stories like a teenage girl who lapsed into drug and alcohol use following her father's suicide and landed in
jail, but with assistance of a Drug Court program overcame her addiction and got a college education.

We all know people with addictions who, with the right intervention, could live fulfilling lives. It's time for us to put into practice what we
already know: addiction is a disease. It can and must be treated. Later this year, I will propose changes that better align our resources to fill the gaps in our drug treatment system and I look forward to working with you to fill these gaps.

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Delaware legislature
Jan 23, 2014

On Local Issues:
$7M for Downtown Development Districts

We know revitalizing neighborhoods is an important part of making our streets safer. We can replicate the success other communities have had in strengthening neighborhoods, while also harnessing the attraction that vibrant downtowns hold for talented
young people and innovative small businesses.

To do so, I propose we create "Downtown Development Districts"--a small number of designated areas in our cities that will qualify for development incentives and a host of other benefits in housing and
transportation. Builders looking to make investments in these Districts would receive grants for a percentage of their investment.

I propose dedicating $7 million toward these kinds of projects,
which will leverage tens of millions of dollars in private capital. And more importantly, this program can improve our housing stock and revitalize our downtowns.

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Delaware legislature
Jan 23, 2014

On Principles & Values:
Unleashing the potential in every Delawarean

Unleashing the Potential in Every Delawarean

The Opportunity to Work: Only 20% of our kids graduate from high school ready for college or a career.

A Culture of Innovation: It's time to write a new chapter in our rich history of invention.

Opportunity to Learn: Quality education is essential for anyone seeking to unleash his or her potential.

A New Day in Delaware Downtowns: Much of
our success as a state will depend upon whether our cities are safe and vibrant.

The Opportunity to Contribute: We cannot meet our potential if we give up on a great number of our people.

Years from now--after the roads have been built; after
today's kindergartners have retired from jobs we helped create; after our cities thrive and our waters run clean; the people of Delaware may not remember us by name. But they will know that our focus was to unleash the potential of every Delawarean.

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Delaware legislature
Jan 23, 2014

On Technology:
New I-95 fly-over ramps; $1.1B for infrastructure

Unleashing the potential of our economy also demands world-class infrastructure. The ability to move goods and services efficiently, connect to cutting-edge information technology infrastructure, and access cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy, is
essential to every industry in our state.

For years, Delawareans tried to avoid the interchange of I-95 and Route 1. But our investment in new fly-over ramps has alleviated congestion, shortening commutes, shipping times, and trips to the beach.

We are making similar improvements at I-95 and 202. That exit ramp was a notorious choke point, but improvements have cut the average number of hours per day of slowing traffic from six to less than one.

Infrastructure investments create high-paying,
middle-class jobs today and they lay the foundation for future prosperity. It's time to stop complaining about the sorry shape of our Transportation Trust Fund and fix the underlying issues. I propose that we invest $1.1 billion over five years.

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Delaware legislature
Jan 23, 2014

First and foremost, unleashing [our] potential requires that Delawareans have the opportunity to work. Thanks to our partnership with the College Board, we are identifying students with the potential to thrive in college, but who would likely not apply,
often because of financial concerns. They have received letters encouraging them to apply [to colleges], waiving their application fees, and offering financial support.

I propose a scholarship program so that all low-income Delaware students with
college potential can take credit-bearing courses during their senior year of high school.

Matching skilled workers with available jobs is critical. Thanks to our new JobLink capability, it's easier than ever for employers to search our database for
employees with the skills they need.

Finally, too many working Delawareans struggle to care for their families and put food on the table. I am glad that the General Assembly is poised to increase the minimum wage.

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Delaware legislature
Jan 23, 2014